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Using a Diluted Cement Mix as a Paint Wash – Will it Work?
Russell asks readers this:
“I have made some PVC pipe silos which are ready for painting and detailing. I will spray a gray color for the cement silos and paint on a metallic color for the rails, silo doors, elevator etc. After that I will try some washes with dry brushing effects and see how that looks.
I thought of using a heavily diluted cement liquid as a wash to make it more real and look weathered. Will this work? I know cement doesn’t affect plastic on a bucket so it shouldn’t affect the plastic parts – well thats what I assume?
I guess the alternative would be to just mix various shades of paint wash using a light gray, with a touch of light tan, and dab of black paint to darken it in places? Has anyone tried these various options?”
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Hi Russell
Woodland Scenic have a cement coloured paint that does look realistic, I have used this myself to good effect
It may be the right color, but the texture will probably be too rough for HO scale cement.
I’d stay with an acrylic paint medium rather than risk some untried method.
Rough up the surface with 40 to 60 grit paper It will stick
I would suggest acrylic concrete paint or flat gull grey paint. then use thin washes burnt and raw umber for weathering.